Fire Chief's Message

Fire Chief's Message 2024

 It’s an exciting time here in the City of Marina! We have welcomed many new residents and businesses as we continue to build exciting projects such as in the Promenade area which will include a new grocery store, some new restaurants, live work units and a City Square, exciting times! We have also seen several of the blighted buildings come down and more come down!  

 The Marina Fire Department is an "All risk" department, meaning that we will respond to the needs of the community, regardless of the nature of the incident and begin the process of solving the problem while working towards a positive outcome. The Department consists of highly trained men and women who are motivated, educated and loyally focused on their core mission of service to the community.  Alongside the Cities expansion, we are committed to the community and want the community to know that the Fire Department will stand ready to assist you in your time of need, day or night, with compassion, professionalism, respect, and dignity.  This dedication to proper Fire Protection comes with the full support of the City Council. 

 The City Council has commissioned two separate studies to identify where our Fire Stations need to be located to provide a base level for Fire Protection Services. Both studies show that we need a minimum of two staffed Fire Stations, one in the south end of the City and one in the north end.   With these two Fire Stations we will be situated in such a way that allows us to meet response times that will allow us to meet NFPA standards. 

 The Marina Fire Department has operated out of one main station located at 211 Hillcrest Ave for many years.  After a Standards of Cover study was conducted that showed the need for two fire stations, and with the assistance of a SAFER Grant from the Department of Homeland Security, we hired four additional firefighters which allowed us to staff a squad (with 2 people) at the Airport Station.  This allowed us to have a Squad and an Engine on duty 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.  

 On December 19th, 2023, the City Council authorized 5 additional positions, 2 Division Chiefs and 3 Firefighters.  With this authorization, the Council funded 2 Division Chiefs and 1 Firefighter and directed staff to apply for a SAFER Grant for the 2 additional firefighters.  With the additional staffing, for the first time in the history of the Marina Fire Department, we have a Chief Officer assigned to every shift and one shift with two completely staffed engine companies!  Were only two firefighters away from staffing the other two engines!

 We also have a Ladder Truck on order.  The Truck is scheduled to arrive in May of 2025.  A Ladder Truck is a necessary tool to respond to large buildings as well as the multi-story buildings going up in our area.  The Truck will enhance the Fire Department’s ability to provide the basic level of service necessary to protect our community. 

 We have a critical need for Fire Station to cover the South and Central portions of the City and we are working on ways to fund the construction. The new station will be a Headquarters station that is large enough to house the Ladder Truck along with the Fire Administration.  Currently, none of our facilities will house the new Ladder Truck that is coming in 2025.  The new station in the south will be in an area identified by the Fire Study to serve the south and central part of City to benefit all citizens.

 As Fire Chief, I will continue to embody the core values and collaborative culture that has built an organization dedicated to superior service and excellence.  I am committed to our members, the residents, visitors and business owners of our community.   As Fire Chief, I welcome you to stop by the fire station and meet the men and women of our department.

 Sincerely,

Doug McCoun
Fire Chief, Marina Fire